Death Stranding 2: On the Beach — Launch Date, Early Access & What You Need to Know

The beach is calling, and Kojima’s back with another beautifully bizarre delivery run. Death Stranding 2 : On the Beach officially drops on June 26, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5, and yes, it’s just as weird, wild, and wonderfully Kojima as you’d expect.

But here’s what matters to you: when can you play, how big is the download, and what’s changed since the first game? Let’s unpack it.

Global Launch Times

Sony is rolling out the game in rolling midnight waves—meaning it unlocks at 12:00 AM local time wherever you are. Here’s how that plays out across key regions:

• NZ (Wellington): June 26, 12:00 AM
• AUS (Sydney): June 25, 10:00 PM
• AUS (Perth): June 25, 8:00 PM
• USA (New York): June 25, 12:00 AM ET
• USA (Los Angeles): June 25, 9:00 PM PT
• SA (Johannesburg): June 26, 12:00 AM

No VPN hacks required. Midnight means midnight in your region.

Early Access Starts June 24

Dropped some extra cash on the Digital Deluxe or Collector’s Edition? You get in 48 hours earlier—on June 24 at 12:00 AM. That’s a full two-day head start to soak up the story or just vibe in the rain.

Download Size & Preload Info

Make space. A lot of it.

• Size: 91.5 GB (and that’s without Day One patches)
• Preload Available: Since June 17 (for pre-orders)

Sony recommends a full install before launch to avoid disappointment (and bandwidth bottlenecks).

Read: PS4 Nears the End: What It Means for PS5 Owners and the Coming PS6

What’s New in DS2?

Kojima didn’t just hit copy-paste on the first game. Here’s what’s fresh in Death Stranding 2 :

• New Setting: Welcome to a fictionalized post-apocalyptic Australia, a stark contrast to the US-inspired world of the first game.
• New Faces: Alongside Norman Reedus, you’ve got Elle Fanning, Luca Marinelli, Debra Wilson, and more.
• New Toys: A monorail system, improved stealth/combat mechanics, and weirder gear than ever.
• New Vibe: Faster-paced missions, more variety in gameplay, and still plenty of lonely walking if you’re into that.

Thematically, Kojima has tweaked the tone—less pandemic dread, more philosophical reflection on connection in the digital age.

Trailer Watch: It’s Basically a Kojima Short Film

Kojima being Kojima, the final trailer is an 180-shot cinematic beast that blurs the line between game and arthouse film. It dropped alongside the launch and offers a last look at the world you’re about to step into. Expect moody music, cryptic dialogue, and lots of rain.

TL;DR for Gamers in a Hurry

What	Details
Release Date	June 26, 2025 (midnight local time)
Early Access	June 24 (for Deluxe/Collector’s editions)
Platform	PlayStation 5 exclusive
Preload	Available now (since June 17)
File Size	91.5 GB
Setting	Fictional Australia
Notable Cast	Norman Reedus, Elle Fanning, Léa Seydoux, Troy Baker
New Features	Faster pacing, more combat, monorails, expanded stealth
Themes	Connection, isolation, and post-pandemic introspection

Geekhub Take

Kojima might just be the most unpredictable mind in gaming and Death Stranding 2 looks like another gorgeous fever dream dressed up as an open-world game. Whether you’re here for the cinematic weirdness, the crunchy game mechanics, or just to hang out with BB again, this is a launch you’ll want to be ready for.

So grab your digital boots, prep that PS5, and remember: it’s not just about walking, it’s about walking with purpose.